Celanese Increases Acetyl Intermediate Prices

Acetyl intermediate prices

In a press release on March 20, Celanese (CE) announced a price increase on several acetyl intermediate products. The price increase will be effective immediately or as the contract allows.

The price increase spans different geographical regions.

Acetic acid prices will increase by 50 euros per metric ton in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa), $0.025 per pound in the United States and Canada, $55 per metric ton in Mexico and South America, 300 renminbi per metric ton in China, and $50 per metric ton in Asia outside China.

Vinyl acetate monomer prices will increase by 100 euros per metric ton in the EMEA, $0.05 per pound in the United States and Canada, $110 per metric ton in Mexico and South America, 800 renminbi per metric ton in China, and $100 per metric ton in Asia outside China.

Acetic anhydride prices will increase by 5o euros per metric ton in the EMEA and $50 per metric ton in Mexico and South America.

Ethyl acetate prices will increase by 75 euros per metric ton in the EMEA.

Emulsion polymer prices will increase by $50 per metric ton in Asia outside of China.

Impact

The price increase could have a positive impact on Celanese’s top and bottom growth if the volumes don’t fall. In the fourth quarter of 2018, Celanese’s Acetyl Chain segment reported revenues of $936 million—a 5.4% increase on a year-over-year basis. The impact of the price increase will be more visible in the second quarter.